Friday, February 27, 2009

(Southwest Oklahoma) – The award-winning Territory Golf and Country Club announces the expansion of its popular stay-and-play packages for the 2009 season with the addition of a third on-site home to host visitors.

Introduced last year, these premier offerings provide easy access to The Territory’s acclaimed fairways and comfortable accommodations for up to four people per house. Each stay-and-play home features two spacious bedrooms, living room, full kitchen and baths.

Rates include one round of golf per night’s stay, with additional rounds available at the current guest fee. Package pricing per person is:* Single: $275 per night* Double: $225 per night* Triple: $195 per night* Foursome: $175 per night

“From the moment we unveiled these packages, the response was overwhelming, so adding another home to meet the demand was an easy decision,” says Rick Braught, who along with his wife Barbara, owns The Territory. “We take great pride in this golf course, our amenities and unmatched customer service and love the reactions we get when visitors experience The Territory for the first time.”

Named a Top 50 Residential Course by Golfweek and one of Oklahoma’s best courses by Golf Digest, The Territory is a modified target-style layout featuring multiple tees to accommodate any skill level and a state-of-the-art practice facility and three-hole short course for those looking to hone their skills prior to tackling the Randy Heckenkemper design.

Golf is the centerpiece of a growing residential development, but The Territory is flush with luxurious amenities such as the Prairie House – headed by Chef Keith Zinke – and outdoor myriad activities. The Prairie House offers members and guests some of the finest cuisine in the region, while a swimming pool and multi-purpose sport court cater to the children, as well as the young at heart.

Unlike the vast majority of comparable residential developments – many of which also have been honored with Top 50 praise – homes do not impede upon the playing corridors at The Territory. A golf course first, and a residential development second, the game remains the focus from the first tee shot to the final putt.

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

(SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.) - Phil Mickelson, winner of 35 PGA Tour events, including three major championships, and long renowned for his masterful short game, has teamed with Emmy Award-winning producer/director Terry Jastrow to create Phil Mickelson: Secrets of the Short Game. The two-disc instructional set focuses on all shots played from 50 yards and in will be available on DVD April 7 from CBS Home Entertainment and Paramount Home Entertainment.

"My ideas about the short game are very different from a lot of the instruction I see out there," said Mickelson, "so it was a lot of fun to put this together with Terry and I'm very pleased with the way it turned out. The goal here is help golfers build a foundation so that their practice time directly correlates to improved scoring on the golf course."

Jastrow has produced hugely popular instructional tapes with Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and others but said, "No great golfer has done an instructional program in more two decades. For years people have acknowledged Phil has a superior short game, but the question they still ask is, 'How does he do it?' Here Phil finally gives his answers."

Mickelson has been outspoken on various topics throughout his career and continues to be so in sharing his "Secrets."

On two popular chipping instructions, that "the club should go back and through the same distance" or that there should be "no wrist" in the swing: "If anybody teaches you one of those two methods, go somewhere else. There is one great way to chip and it is a method that I call "hinge and hold." There has never been a good chipper who does not conform to this technique."On putting: "For years I have heard how you want your hands to oppose each other. I don't buy into that either. We want our top hand turned stronger; this promotes a release."

Phil Mickelson: Secrets of the Short Game includes sections on putting, chipping, sand shots and the flop shot Mickelson popularized soon after he joined the PGA Tour in 1992. The set has a run time of approximately two hours and retails for $49.95. It will be available online at http://www.philsdvd.com/ or http://www.philmickelson.com/ and in golf shops and retail stores everywhere beginning April 7.

Monday, February 23, 2009

(VILLAGE OF PINEHURST, N.C.) – How much golf can you play in a day? How about a full year? Pinehurst is challenging avid golfers to answer both - with an unprecedented grand prize to prove it.

From now through May 31, golfers from around the globe can enter the resort's spring sweepstakes to win unlimited golf at Pinehurst for a year. Golfers can register now at www.Pinehurst.com/sweepstakes, for the prize that includes unlimited golf for the winner and a friend on any of Pinehurst's eight golf courses – including the famed No. 2, site of the 2014 U.S. Open. Valid from June 1, 2009 to May 30, 2010, the prize also includes exclusive benefits when staying at Pinehurst, visiting the spa and enjoying its many amenities.

The sweepstakes celebrates the launch of Pinehurst's spring Unlimited Golf Package, in which golfers are automatically upgraded to unlimited golf at normal one-round-per-day rates from March 8 through May 30. The $515 per person, per night starting rate includes unlimited greens fees (No. 2 at an additional charge), cart and practice facility usage, plus accommodations, the best breakfast in golf and a la carte dinner. The upgrade's best value is in eliminating hundreds of dollars in replay fees.

"We've had a lot of fun in creating this sweepstakes, knowing golfers would love this challenge," says Pinehurst EVP of Golf Operations Don Sweeting. "Golf's the great stress reliever, the best way to connect with friends, and a mind stimulator. Through both the new Unlimited package and the prize, we want golfers to renew their love of the game."

With the recent renovation of the majority of its guest rooms, a new executive chef, and longer spring days ahead to enjoy the resort's championship courses, Pinehurst continues to deliver the best overall golf experience to all golfers in 2009.

Full details on the grand prize, eligibility and full terms and conditions can be found on the sweepstakes page at www.pinehurst.com/sweepstakes. For more information or to make a reservation, visit www.pinehurst.com or call 800-487-4653.

Michigan – a bastion of the outdoors and winter sports – has a surprisingly lengthy and enjoyable golf season. The Wolverine State sweetens its offerings with the addition of Sweetgrass Golf Club, the newest amenity at the Island Resort & Casino – owned and operated by the Hannahville Indian Community, a band of the Potawatomi Nation. Unveiled in July 2008, Sweetgrass opens for its first full season in 2009 and draws from the area's Native American heritage, which is seamlessly and subtly incorporated in the championship course’s layout.

Designed by Paul Albanese, Sweetgrass stretches 7,300 yards from the tips, challenging the top golfers from the back tees, while four forward boxes accommodate all levels of play. Set among the pristine landscape of this largely untouched region, the wind-swept fairways are lined with flowing fescues and the namesake herb sweetgrass – an aromatic plant found throughout the property. From bunkers named after tribal elders and terrain reminiscent of long-forgotten fortress ruins, Sweetgrass offers legend and inspiration on every hole.

Golfers encounter Potawatomi legend from the start. The opening hole, “Cedar,” a short par 4, welcomes players with cedar posts lining the entrance of the fairway. Cedar was one of the four traditional medicines used by the tribe – sweetgrass, tobacco and sage being the others.

The second hole, “God’s Kettle,” increases in length and difficulty. This par 4 tells the story of Weme-gen-debay, a noted chief and great hunter who discovered a copper kettle used to boil maple sap into sugar for the “feast of the dead,” a ritual in which tribal members honor the spirit world.

Holes three and four represent tribal tales of security. The par-3 “Wolf” – heavily protected by mounds and bunkers – reflects the protective and defensive nature of the animal. The par-4 fourth is reminiscent of Michigami, the fortified city created in the 1650s to repel attacks from the Iroquois.

No. 5 – a par 4 with water right of the fairway – is known as The Serpent and the Flood and explains the story of the aquatic god, Neben Manito, who created the earth from water while fighting the Great Serpent.

Animals have played a vital role in the lives of Potawatomi. Deer have long been a crucial source of food but the white deer is sacred, never harmed. A waste bunker on the par-5 sixth hole is shaped like the animal, though only discernable from high above the earth. Meanwhile, beware of the “rabbit hole” bunkers on the seventh. This par 3 stretches 230 yards from the back tees and pays tribute to a common character in Native American lore.

The Potawatomi people live in tight communities sharing land, food and medicine. The par-4 eighth was named after Zoie Brozowski, who visited the community as a child and generously willed money to the tribe upon her passing.

“Trailing Arbutus,” the par-5 ninth, appropriately reflects the coming of spring. The daughter of Old Man Manito (Winter) blows her warm breath every year to melt the snow and ice and the spring flower of trailing arbutus grows in her wake, lining the two majestic waterfalls on this uphill hole.

Prior to playing the back nine – No. 10 is a well-bunkered par 4 named Firekeeper (Bodewadmi) – golfers will notice a fire pit near the tee. Fire warms cool mornings and symbolizes the light of the Creator.

Good Harvest – the par-5 11th – was dedicated to Douglas Good and his family, who farmed the land where the course now stands for more than century. The Potawatomi believe Mother Earth provides a bounty for the people and should be protected. The 11th features a bevy of nature’s finest – water, trees, farmland, low lands and wild game.

The par-3 12th is named Maple Sugar (Zi za ba kwet), for both the food and preventative medicine. Golfers may need medicinal magic for par if a tee shot comes to rest on the wrong tier of this multi-leveled hole. A Biarritz green – designed with a deep gully that bisects the front and back – provides a dramatic finish.

The Eagle (Ke no) is sacred to Native Americans and watches over the tribe, serving as the messenger between the Creator and his people. The dogleg, par-4 13th measures a robust 489 yards from the tips and requires bird’s eye vision to record par.

Serving as breather between daunting holes, the par-4 14th tells the story of Snowbird Legend – two young Indians who traveled to deliver gifts to their grandmother, but were caught in a snowstorm and slept to afterlife. The Creator has since sent two birds – which lie in bunkers behind the green – that warn of approaching snow.

The Turtle (Mshike), otherwise known as the Island Green 15th, is a par 3 with rock outcroppings resembling its namesake – a symbol of wisdom and knowledge in the Potawatomi culture. This lore also is prevalent on the par-4 17th as golfers use a turtle-shaped boulder as their target from the tee.

The 16th hole – Ogeema Muckwa – is dedicated to Kenneth Meshigaud, Tribal Chairperson of the Hannahville Indian Community for more than 20 years. The long, dogleg hole honors the Bear Clan which leads, protects and provides medicines.

Saving one of the best for last, the finish at Sweetgrass is an uphill par 5 culminating in a vast, shared green. Called the Seven Grandfathers (Noeg Gmeshomsenanek) in honor of the seven men given the responsibility by the Creator to look after the people, there are seven bunkers on this hole. The Grandfathers taught wisdom, love, respect, bravery, honesty, humility and truth.

While Sweetgrass Golf Club is a must-play course and an unforgettable experience, entertainment at the Island Resort & Casino continues well into the night. With its recent multi-million dollar expansion, a plethora of activities await including fine dining, Vegas-style gaming and musical performances.

After a mouthwatering meal from the exotic menu at the Beachcomber Restaurant & Bar, enjoy the recently expanded floor – open non-stop seven days a week – with an additional 500 of the newest slot machines, or a concert at the 1,327-seat Island Showroom, which has hosted national acts as the Blues Brothers, 3 Doors Down, Martina McBride and Huey Lewis and the News.

Getting quality sleep – if you choose – is easy with the Palm Tower’s 162 spacious new rooms and penthouse suites which keep you well-rested until you tackle the tribal legends of Sweetgrass again the following day or one of the two other championship courses available – TimberStone and Greywalls – within an hour’s drive.

How to get there:The unspoiled beauty of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula may seem to be a world away from the hustle and bustle of big cities, but Sweetgrass Golf Club is easily accessible via a pair of regional airports in Escanaba and Marquette, Michigan, as well as the Austin Straubel International Airport in nearby Green Bay, Wisc.

Friday, February 13, 2009

(NASHPORT, Ohio) – The award-winning Longaberger Golf Club will continue to exceed expectations and deliver unmatched value to golfers looking for a one-of-a-kind golf experience in Central Ohio. With that in mind, the club has announced its value-laden daily rates and stay-and-play packages for the 2009 season.

Recognized as Ohio’s No. 1 course in Golfweek Magazine’s 2008 state-by-state rankings, Longaberger Golf Club is nationally renowned for its spectacular design, impeccable playing conditions and unmatched customer service. The club offers an exceptional golfing experience at rates of under $100 per 18 holes, while even greater savings are available depending on the season, time of day or stay-and-play package.

“Guests will be keenly aware of Longaberger Golf Club’s renowned quality before even setting foot on the lush playing surfaces,” says Joseph Livingood, Senior Vice President of Billy Casper Golf, which manages Longaberger Golf Club. “From the moment they arrive and are greeted by a member of our friendly staff to the final putt being rolled in, the experience is unforgettable.”

Daily Golf Rates 2009All rates include cart and full use of the 25-acre natural grass driving range and practice facility with target greens and a green for chipping, pitching and bunker play.

Longaberger Golf Club also offers affordable stay-and-play packages that include multiple rounds at the club or opportunities to be paired with other stellar layouts in the greater-Columbus area.

Stay-and-Play Rates 2009Longaberger Golf Club’s Stay-and-Play Package includes two rounds of golf at Longaberger Golf Club and one night at The Place Off the Square in downtown Newark. Rates range from $125 to $225.

The 9 Stars of Golf Package includes one round at Longaberger Golf Club, one round at nearby EagleSticks and a night at the Comfort Inn in Zanesville. Rates range from $152.50 to $182.50.

Buckeye Golf Packages’ “The Woven Trail” includes one round at Longaberger Golf Club, one round at Cumberland Trail and a night at The Place Off the Square in downtown Newark. Rates range from $143 to $188.

Rates for stay-and-play packages vary depending on the season and are based on double occupancy. Packages can be booked by calling Longaberger Golf Club at 740.763.1100.

Longaberger Golf Club winds through the rolling hills of central Ohio and panoramic sightlines highlight the immaculate playing conditions. With five sets of tees, the 7,243-yard layout challenges the lowest handicapper, while shrinking to manageable distance to accommodate each and every skill level.

Recently named the country’s No. 4 course overall in GolfWorld magazine’s inaugural “Readers’ Choice Rankings” in the category “Top 50 Public Courses,” Longaberger Golf Club also ranks No. 57 in the United States (out of roughly 13,500 public-access courses) in GOLF Magazine’s 2008 “Top 100 Courses You Can Play” list.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

(French Lick, INDIANA) - Golf aficionados, pack your clubs and get ready to experience one of "Hall of Fame" architect Pete Dye's greatest designs, as well as one of America's top golfing combinations. French Lick Resort, located in southern Indiana, announces that the new Pete Dye Golf Packages for the 2009 golf season are available for booking.

Many already believe that Pete Dye has created one of the most breathtaking and exciting 18-holes of golf in the country. The course, which features vintage Pete Dye characteristics, was carefully carved into the dramatic hilltop offering a variety of elevation changes, rugged and dramatic terrain, narrow fairways, and strategic bunkers, along with spectacular views from every hole that stretch for over 40 miles.

Opening April 24, 2009, the new Pete Dye course will combine with the newly restored Donald Ross course to offer a top-notch golf experience. Guests who stay at the luxurious West Baden Springs Hotel will have priority access to golf packages and tee-times at the new Pete Dye course.

Pete Dye Golf ExperienceGolfers will be excited to play arguably Pete Dye's most spectacular inland design. This golf package includes an overnight stay at the historic West Baden Springs Hotel and two 18-hole rounds of golf on the new spectacular Pete Dye golf course. In addition, the package includes use of driving range and practice facilities, bag storage, and shuttle transportation. Gratuity and caddie fee not included. Package prices start at $810 per person based on double occupancy.

Hall of Fame Golf PackageSavvy golfers will look forward to experiencing the only resort in the world that combines the classic history of a Donald Ross course with a modern day design by legendary Pete Dye. This package includes an overnight stay at the historic West Baden Springs Hotel, 18-holes of golf on the new spectacular Pete Dye golf course, and 18-holes on the recently restored and historic 1917-designed Donald Ross Course. In addition, the package includes use of driving range and practice facilities, bag storage, and shuttle transportation. Gratuity and caddie fee not included. Package prices start at $550 per person based on double occupancy.

Donald Ross Golf ExperienceTake a walk back in time and experience the game the way it was meant on this classic and historic layout. This golf package includes an overnight stay at either the historic West Baden Springs Hotel or the French Lick Springs Hotel and two 18-hole rounds of golf on the newly restored Donald Ross golf course. In addition, the package includes use of driving range and practice facilities, bag storage, and shuttle transportation. Package prices start at $249 per person based on double occupancy.

For more information or to book one of the Pete Dye golf packages or Donald Ross package, please visit http://www.frenchlick.com/ or call our reservation specialists at 888-936-9360.

Thursday, February 5, 2009

(ORLANDO, Fla.) - Discriminating golfers seeking more than just a few hours on the course will find their own little "slice" of heaven as the AAA Four Diamond Rosen Shingle Creek hotel and award-winning Shingle Creek Golf Club unveil two new luxurious golf, lodging, dining and spa packages: the "Stay and Play" one-night package and the even more indulgent "Stay and Play, Dine and Unwind" two-night package. Both packages are available through Dec. 2009, are inclusive of tax and subject to availability.

The "Stay and Play" package starts at $192 per night, single occupancy and $263 per night, double occupancy:· Luxury accommodations (among the largest guestrooms in Central Florida at 436 gross sq. ft.)· One round of golf per person at Shingle Creek Golf Club as well as golf cart, range balls, GPS, club cleaning, locker and storage· Breakfast buffet per person at Café Osceola· Optional one-hour lesson at the onsite Brad Brewer Golf Academy for an additional $130 per person

The "Stay and Play, Dine and Unwind" package is based on a two-night minimum and starts at $615 single occupancy and $985 double occupancy and includes all of the above, as well as:· Lunch one day per person (choice of boxed lunch from Par-Take or off spa lunch menu)· Dinner one evening per person at Cala Bella, the hotel's AAA Four Diamond rated Italian fine dining bistro (includes salad, entrée and dessert)· One Shingle Creek Golfer's Delight per person, a warmed golf ball massage created specifically for golfers at The Spa at Shingle Creek· Special golf amenity per person

The packages are subject to availability, do not include tax and gratuities and cannot be used by groups or meeting attendees or with any other promotions or offers. To book these offers, call (866) 996-6338 or visit http://www.rosenshinglecreek.com/.

The 18-hole, par 72 (7,228 yard) David Harman designed Shingle Creek Golf Club received four stars from the Golf Digest guide as one of the best places to play 2008/2009 and has received the prestigious "Greens of Distinction" by Corporate & Incentive Travel Magazine for the fourth year in a row. Shingle Creek Golf Club is also home to the Brad Brewer Golf Academy. Brewer is frequently seen on the GOLF CHANNEL and is the Lead Instructor for http://www.golfchannel.com/, the Internet arm of the GOLF CHANNEL.

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Annual Ice-Tee Tournament on Frozen Lake Wallenpaupack Places Golf among the Many Exciting Winter Activities in this Mountain Destination

(POCONO MOUNTAINS, Pennsylvania) – Winter snow may have its grips on the Northeast, but golf is in the air. The Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau – which celebrates 75 years of promoting the many activities in the four-county region – today announces the Annual Ice-Tee Golf Tournament is scheduled for Feb. 22.

Participants will tee it up for nine holes of golf atop frozen Lake Wallenpaupack with prizes, giveaways and the popular “Closest to Wally” driving contest.

“This annual event is always a hit with golfers and non-golfers, alike,” says Carl Wilgus, President and CEO of the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau. “Their favorite Pocono Mountains courses are under a layer of snow right now, but golfers are extremely passionate about the sport, so it’ll be a dedicated group that gets out and challenges Mother Nature for a round on frozen Lake Wallenpaupack.”

Cost to participate in the Ice-Tee Golf Tournament is $15 in advance or $20 on the day of the event and prizes will be awarded. Visit http://www.hawleywallenpaupackcc.com/ or call 570-226-3191 for more details and an application.

Home to hundreds of holes of golf by legendary designers such as Donald Ross, A.W. Tillinghast and Jack Nicklaus, the Pocono Mountains have experienced an exciting rejuvenation over the last several years. For golfers looking past the winter months, various value-laden stay-and-play packages are available at many Pocono Mountains courses. For a complete list of Pocono Mountains golf courses and links to individual web sites, log on to http://www.poconosgolf.com/.

Located within a short drive from major metropolitan areas such as New York City, Philadelphia and Newark, golf options abound in the Pocono Mountains. This golf oasis is easily accessible and boasts something to satisfy every taste and skill level – from classic layouts that feature tight fairways and small greens, to expansive resort courses and modern gems.

In addition to the many golf courses, the mountain destination offers numerous lakes and rivers, miles of marked and unmarked trails for hiking and biking, fine dining, shopping, gaming and historical site seeing. Winter offers guests the opportunity to ski, snowboard, snow tube and snowshoe their way through the snowy terrain of more than 163 ski trails.

"We are excited to announce our 2009 packages," said Kevin McCormick, National Golf Sales Manager for the Radisson. "The Radisson Fort McDowell Resort and Casino is uniquely located on the same property as We-Ko-Pa Golf Club and a short shuttle ride to Eagle Mountain Golf Club and SunRidge Canyon Golf Club. The Radisson provides exclusive resort packages to players coming to town to enjoy award winning desert golf, casino action and dining."

We-Ko-Pa Golf Club is a preferred golf experience. With 2 award-winning layouts, it has quickly become recognized as the flagship for Arizona desert golf. Designed by Scott Miller, Cholla is a 7,225 yard layout and was named No. 38 Best Resort Courses 2009 by Golfweek and No. 35 Golf Magazine Best You can Play 2008. The Saguaro course was designed by Ben Crenshaw and opened in December 2006. It was awarded No. 44 Best You Can Play by Golf Magazine 2008 and recently received No. 16 Best Resort Course by Golfweek 2009. In addition, We-Ko-Pa is distinguished as Golfweeks No. 1 Public Access Course in Arizona 2008 and No. 8 Best Casino Course nationally.

SunRidge Canyon Golf Club - Designed by Keith Foster, this desert layout is a 6,823-yard, par-71 with non-returning nines. Your golf adventure begins at the upper mouth of the canyon and descends switch-back style to the canyon floor. Along the way, the golf course follows the rugged natural terrain of stony ridges, rock outcroppings and secluded hollows. Because the fairways are not parallel, players enjoy a true sense of serenity and oneness with the golf course. SunRidge is a short courtesy shuttle from The Radisson Fort McDowell Golf Resort.

Eagle Mountain Golf Club is a local favorite and located in the rugged McDowell Mountains minutes from The Radisson. This Scott Miller design dramatically weaves its way through shaded box canyons and around majestic mountain peaks unique to this scenic corner of the Sonoran desert. Miller's desert golf creation seamlessly blends spectacular views of the Valley below and this stunning layout has earned numerous awards including: "Best of Phoenix Public Golf Courses" in 2006 by the Phoenix New Times and " No. 1 Public Golf Course" Arizona Magazine, 2006 & 2007.

"This is a great opportunity to take advantage of great airfares to Phoenix, great weather, and 4 Diamond lodging," McCormick added.

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

(HARRIS, Michigan) – The Island Resort & Casino, home to the highly regarded, newly-opened Sweetgrass Golf Club, today announces a series of Texas Hold ‘em satellite tournaments with two grand prizes of seats – each valued at $10,000 – at the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas.

Owned and operated by the Hannahville Band of the Potawatomi Nation, the resort will host satellite tournaments – offering optional levels of re-buys and add-ons – Thursdays with the winner of each event receiving a seat at the satellite finale April 11. Every entry in the finale is valued at $600 and players are responsible for the $40 per person entry fee.

“Texas Hold ’em and the World Series of Poker have exploded in popularity and we’re thrilled to offer the opportunity of earning a seat at the gaming world’s premiere event,” says Island Resort & Casino General Manager Tom McChesney. “While summer was highlighted by the unveiling of our brand new, championship golf course; every day offers the possibility of magic with gaming 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”

In addition to the $10,000 entry into the World Series of Poker, winners of the grand prizes – who must be 21 years of age – will also receive round-trip airfare for two and hotel accommodations in Las Vegas.

Sweetgrass Golf Club, which was designed by noted architect Paul Albanese, unfolds over acres of rolling terrain and boasts such unique features as an island green and two majestic waterfalls. While designing Sweetgrass, Albanese honored Potawatomi legend and the Tribe’s proud past with subtle features on each hole. One such example can be found within the seven bunkers clustered on the 18th hole representing wisdom, love, respect, bravery, honesty, humility and truth.

The Island Resort & Casino is bringing back its popular “Perfect 4-Some” stay-and-play package in 2009. Golfers can enjoy two nights at the luxurious resort and play three rounds of golf on a trio of the Upper Peninsula’s finest courses – Sweetgrass Golf Club, TimberStone and Marquette Greywalls – for as little as $249, based on double occupancy.

For more information on the satellite tournaments, Sweetgrass Golf Club or Island Resort & Casino visit www.islandresortandcasino.com or call 800-682-6040, ext. 2125.

Monday, February 2, 2009

(THORNBURY, Ontario, Canada) - The Raven Golf Club at Lora Bay has achieved designation as a "Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary" through the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, an Audubon International program.

Chris Lecour, course superintendent, has led the effort to obtain sanctuary status on this course and is being recognized for Environmental Stewardship by Audubon International. The Raven Golf Club at Lora Bay is the 40th course in Ontario and the 674th in the world to receive the honor.

"The Raven Golf Club at Lora Bay has shown a strong commitment to its environmental program. They are to be commended for their efforts to provide a sanctuary for wildlife on the golf course property," said Jim Sluiter, Staff Ecologist for the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Programs. "To reach certification, a course must demonstrate that they are maintaining a high degree of environmental quality in a number of areas."

These categories include: Environmental Planning, Wildlife & Habitat Management, Outreach and Education, Chemical Use Reduction and Safety, Water Conservation, and Water Quality Management.

"We would like to thank everyone involved in this tremendous achievement. Audubon Certification for the golf course compliments our vision for the entire community at Lora Bay. Our deer yards, wildlife corridors and extensive natural park space are further enhanced by this renowned Environmental Stewardship Program ensuring that Lora Bay will always be a naturally beautiful place to live," says Jim Wilkinson, President and CEO of the Lora Bay Corporation.

The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, endorsed by the United States Golf Association, provides information and guidance to help golf courses preserve and enhance wildlife habitat, and protect natural resources. Golf courses from the United States, Africa, Australia, Central America, Europe, and Southeast Asia have also achieved certification in the program.

For more information on golf and the environment, visit www.golfandenvironment.org. In addition to golf courses, Audubon International also provides programs for businesses, schools, communities, and new developments.